Item #4: The Victorian Shop Dispenser
Feast your eyes on this metal box with ornate gold stenciling and a beveled glass front. It even has a small sliding door with a picture of some dogs. What do you think it was used for?
This elegant box is actually a Victorian shop dispenser. It was designed for selling goods in bulk and came in various sizes. In this particular one, it had a label insert for gunpowder, but it could have been used for sugar, candy, or other bulk commodities as well. The glass front allowed customers to see the quality of the goods they were purchasing. And why the picture of hunting dogs? Well, it’s just a decorative touch because the intention was to store gunpowder only. Quite an interesting piece, isn’t it?
Item #5: The Cedar Butter Churn
Look at this large wooden drum with a lid, handle, and a footed base. It even has a crank on the side. Any thoughts on its purpose?
This wooden drum is actually a cedar butter churn. It was used to make larger quantities of butter. On the other side, it reads “Farm Master Dairy Supplies.” But we didn’t want to give it away too easily! Learning about these old-fashioned tools really takes us back to a time when things were simpler.
And lastly, the final mystery item!
Item #6: The Soda Bottle Stand
Take a moment to examine this metal stand with three tiers, each with notches cut out of them. It stands on three legs and is about 4 feet tall. Can you guess what it was used for?
This stand was designed as a display for soda bottles, but not just any soda. It was specifically created by Nehi for their soda bottles as part of their marketing strategies. The triangular shape and notches were perfect for holding the bottles with their convenient necks. Back in the days of the Depression, you could find these stands in corner shops and grocery stores. They were quite a sight!
And there you have it! These mystery items take us on a journey through time, reminding us of the ingenuity and creativity of past generations. So, how many did you guess correctly?
